Emily Henderson's Blog, page 24

February 1, 2025

What I Wore This Week On Our Secret Shoot (That Are Pretty Perfect Outfits For The Winter-To-Spring Transition)

For the last 6 days, we’ve had all hands on deck shooting a new line of something we are launching this spring (I’m writing this the day after we wrapped and celebrated so my brain is sooooo wiped I can barely think). We produced this in-house (a huge shout out to Gretch who killed it!!!! It went so well!!) which meant it was a huge financial investment on my part so the goal was to get as many photos, videos, reels, etc as possible in the six days – which meant that I had to change outfits like 6 times a day to take versions with and without me, lying down, being cozy, standing up, fancy portraits, etc. I’ve been doing this for 15 years so I’m pretty comfortable getting my photo taken, but it’s still crucial that I feel good in what I’m wearing. If I don’t feel good, I bring insecure energy, which makes the entire crew suffer because it takes so much longer to get the “right shot”. I’m SOOO grateful that Kaitlin can shoot so fast and makes me feel really comfortable:) Anyway, here are some of the outfits – admittedly that are on the more casual side. But I also think that if you are looking for some good winter-to-spring recs, you’ll find some great pieces in here. The fancier outfits were designer that I rented for the portraits so you’ll see them later 🙂

Jean Blouse | T-Shirt | Gold Necklace | Skirt | Clogs

The jean shacket was a big investment and while I love it I’m hoping to exchange it for a smaller size but it’s really, really cute. The mini skirt is Madewell (via Nordstroms) and I’m wearing a small (Madewell sizing always runs big and I could have sized down but you know how they have like four xxxxxxs sizes which honestly make it confusing to know what size you are). Right now I’m solidly in between a 4 and 6 (so I guess a 5, LOL) if that helps – but I do wish I had bought an XS. It’s tweed and structured and pretty dang cute. The clogs are so comfy (for heels), I wear them all the time and even replaced them already because Buttercup ate one last year. And yes that bear shirt is rad.

Sweater | Gold Necklace | Bracelets (vintage) | Jeans | Flats

I knew that this sweater with the big black stripe would be really cute on camera in a snuggled-up shot and it was. The stripe was really graphic and popped really well on camera. I wore it with my Old Navy boyfriend jeans that are still just so cute (and I think like $24 right now).

Sweater | T-Shirt | Gold Necklace | Bracelet (vintage) | Jeans | Socks

Another cozy look – An oversized cardigan (LOVE) with fisherman vibes, over the bear shirt (from The Great, which you know I love because they do everything casual just perfectly, but are such investments) with the same Old Navy jeans.

Blouse | Jeans | Boots

Don’t hate on my drop crotch R13 jeans – I however, do hate that they are so expensive, but I’ve worn them probably 80 times since I bought them last year for my big Rugs shoot (extremely drop crotch and def not everyone’s cup of tea but I find that they make every outfit look cool and are so comfortable!!). The dark burgundy snakeskin boots make any outfit look more professional, even beat up drop crotch jeans 🙂

Sweater | Jeans | Booties

Another oversized sweater with a great graphic sleeve punch. This sweater is a bit long and wide (I bought both a medium and a small to see which would fit better and they are both really really oversized. The jeans are Madewell’s barrel jeans that I think are excellent because they aren’t crazy high-waisted like a lot of barrel jeans (with big boobs and a short torso I can’t do both high-waisted and wide-legged). Big fan of these. And those kitten-heel boots are still in the mix – I wear them all the time when I want to dress something up without wearing high heels.

Sweater | Gold Necklace | Jeans (old Levis) | Flats

The Levi’s are vintage – sorry – that I’ve had forever. I really like this sweater from Rails – cable knit with pretty white stitching. Oh, and I ended up wearing those flats a ton (both in blue and nude) last week mostly because they were easy to pop on and off for our casual snuggling shots that I had to do. Big fan.

Sweater (unavailable) | Leopard Jeans | Flats

I was HIGHLY influenced by Kaitlin to get leopard pants and boy am I glad I did. These are SO CUTE and I didn’t realize how easy they are to make a basic outfit look stylish. I think the key is not dressing this up too much or it looks RHONJ, but these pants are dope and I love them with a casual top a lot (I wore it with wooden clogs, too which gave me nice height so that the cropped length was highlighted). Oh and yes, I’m wearing hair extensions in some of these shots 🙂

Sweatshirt | Shirt | Necklace (unavailable) | Pants | Flats

I bought this new sweatshirt from The Great and god, the slouchy cut is just so perfect but I wish that size 0 was in stock because it’s so oversized (but I know I’ll still wear it so much!!). The pants are old but still available from Free People and pretty awesome.

Left: Denim Jumpsuit | Flats + Right: Camo Jumpsuit | Boots

I bought two new denim jumpsuits because my dog ate the crotch out of my old one that I loved soooo much. This one (on the left) with long sleeves is from Amo and I bought both the small and medium, unsure of what size would work, but I’m returning the small because while it technically fit the waist is too snatched and therefore uncomfortable. I really think that brands need to get the memo that these jumpsuits shouldn’t be fitted or body-conscious – the whole point is to rock a utilitarian vibe and be comfortable – we don’t need our waist to look small, we want pockets and a good drape.

we had to use a little background photoshop magic to hide what we were shooting:)

Pistola does this really well (the camo) and I bought this denim one and LOVED it even more than the camo since it’s just a bit thicker. So while I love the darker wash of the Amo a lot (and I’m keeping the medium size – which I’m wearing above), I think that this Pistola jumpsuit has a better, more casual shape that will be easier to throw on – it just hangs in a nicer way. But if you want to wear a jumpsuit to the office, perhaps the Amo one looks more professional and can be dressed up better, for sure (my goodness that was a lot of talk about jumpsuits – but I wear them a ton, and have for years, because they look good on camera and are so easy to work/style in as well so I feel like I’m a jumpsuit expert).

I promise the reveal of the shoot will be worth it (!) and hopefully, some of these outfits have given you some solid winter-to-spring outfit ideas. xx

The post What I Wore This Week On Our Secret Shoot (That Are Pretty Perfect Outfits For The Winter-To-Spring Transition) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on February 01, 2025 01:00

January 31, 2025

Our Rugs In The Wild: Come See How The Rugs USA Giveaway Winners Styled Their New Rugs!

You might remember that back in September, we did a Rugs USA giveaway in celebration of our new collection. Five lucky winners got to choose from either of our two collections to help cozy up or refresh their homes. To be helpful, and show people the possibilities, I suggested two rugs per winner but they were in no way required to go with either:) Well, today we are revealing their picks in their real spaces! This is also a pretty great week to talk about our rugs because Rugs USA is giving our readers 45% OFF the entire site with code EMILY45. We kinda can’t believe this this deal so if there was ever a time you might want to buy either one of our rugs or any other on their site, now would be a great time. Ok, onto the winners!

The “In Need Of Earthy Modern Dining Room Rug STAT”

This reader was desperately looking for a dining room rug that went with her “Earthy Modern” aesthetic. And since she also had a midcentury modern vibe to her home I suggested these two rugs:

The Annie | The Corbett

They are definitely earthy in tone, feel busy enough to not worry too much about crumbs or small messes, and are on the thinner side so are better for dining chairs.

And TA-DA! They went with The Corbett in 9×12. We love the texture it adds! She loves it and we love seeing it in this room:) Onto the next success story:)

The “In Need Of Earthy Modern Dining Room Rug STAT”

When this reader emailed in they were just really wanting an update and knew that their current rug was simply too small. I felt that choosing a rug that was a liiiiittle lighter in color was the move. But I also very much understand that light-colored rugs are not for everyone so I went with these two:

The Starke | The Southwest

Green is always a great choice when you want a color that still looks and feels neutural (well, depending on the tone of course:)) Both of these darker green rugs have a gray undertone which gives it that “neutral” vibe. These both felt happier and spoke to the little bit of green in their art.

Here’s a shot of the Starke in Hunter Green from our big shoot so that you can really texture up close. Can you guess which one they chose??

Doesn’t it look great?! The size is way better and the whole space looks so much brighter and the addition of the subtle pattern is really fun. But of course, all that matters is that they love it which they do:)

The “A No Longer Neglected Indoor Porch”

This little cute indoor porch was also in need of a rug refresh. The reader said that she never felt that this rug was right and we were more than happy to help find the perfect one!

The Robyn | The Merrick

I knew that suggesting a light rug was a slight risk because as I mentioned above, light rugs can make people nervous because of the visible mess potential. However, I knew a light rug would really brighten up the room.

And I think I was right! While I wish the photo quality was a bit better, you can see how fun the rust Merrick looks. They still get a little warmth with the rust threading but also a pattern that feels more cohesive with the room. The reader said that they are transitioning into empty nesters and making these small updates have been really fun which couldn’t make us happier:)

The “Time For The Grown-Up Rug”

For this reader, they lived with their current rug for eight years and were READY for an upgrade, especially now that their kids are a little older. I had two ideas for them. One that would probably be a risk and one that was still fun but was more in line with their current color palette.

The Elliot | The Marlowe

Can you guess which one was a “risk”? Ha. This neutral mauve could have been a punch a color to warm up the space’s color palette. They would have probably need to throw in a new blanket and some decor to bring in more warm tones for balance. I get that’s not everyone’s preference. So I also liked the idea of bring in a bold and slightly warm pattern with The Marlowe.

This reader however had her heart set on a classic Merrick which I totally understood and will also look awesome. The only problem is that it was very backordered in the size she needed (and if that happened to you too they are coming back into stock so soon!). To hold them over Rugs USA generously offered to send her another rug for the inconvience…

She chose the Southest in charcoal for her bedroom and it’s so good! It’s actually one of Em and Gretchen’s favorites because it’s so versatile and looks great with so many rooms. They just keep wanting to use it. Wanna see it in our winners home?

A beaut! It’s truly such a beautiful rug and here’s what they said about it: “Just wanted to send a note to say THANK YOU to you guys and Rugs USA, my bedroom rug arrived and it’s amazing. I love the colour so much and the quality is incredible. Pic attached – now I want to paint all the walls moody!”

We LOVE the idea of going moody with all the walls! And can’t wait to see the Merrick when it arrives:)

There was one more winner who loved their rug but due to a family emergency couldn’t get photos to us in time which we more than understood. Wishing them all the best. We want to thank everyone who entered the giveaway, anyone who has bought a rug, and to all of you in general. Getting into the product side of things has been a total dream and it’s all because of your support.

And again, if you’ve been thinking about buying a rug it’s never been a more affordable time than now. Get that 45% off sitewide with code EMILY45.

Love you and really really mean it<3

Opening Image Credits: Styled by Getteline Rene | Photo by Mark Weinberg

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Published on January 31, 2025 01:00

January 30, 2025

Yay Or Nay Reviews: Our Honest Feelings About 5 Major Mattress Brands (Because We’ve Slept On Them:))

Purchasing a mattress is a big deal. We spend so much time sleeping (or laying) in our beds that making the not-ideal decision for our wants and needs would be SUCH a bummer. Not to mention so cumbersome because it’s not a small little thing either. We’re here today to help you make an educated decision on the mattress that’s best for you! Over the years, we’ve tried a handful of really popular mattress brands and wanted to give our real-life, tried and true opinions. Five brands, lots of thoughts. Let’s go!

Tuft & NeedleT&N Original Hybrid Mattressdesign by julie rose | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: julie’s bedroom reveal

From Julie: “Five years later and I’m still as in love with this mattress as day one. You know that feeling of getting cozy in a great hotel bed? That’s how it feels every night and it has great support while also being cushy. You will love a hurkle-durkle morning with this mattress.”

T&N Mint Hybrid Mattressphotos by kailtin green | from: charlie’s headboard hack

From Emily: “This is a ‘100% satisfactory mattress’ as in it’s a solid choice. There are a few inches of softness but still pretty firm. I also love that it doesn’t feel like it’s going to lose its shape fast because of the firmness. I just feel that it’s a great middle-of-the-road softness that can please most people and guests.”

From Jess: “Suprise! I have this mattress too and I really like it. While I love the feeling of a cloud-like mattress, my back has a different opinion. So like Em, I agree that it’s a medium softness which is ideal for me! I got to go to the Tuft & Needle store to try them all out so I was super confident about my decision. My only VERY silly and not important “complaint” is that the fabric cover does sometimes leave indents when I sleep on my side but clearly they go away fairly quickly. And actually this mattress is made for side sleepers like me:)”

LeesaOriginal Mattressdesign by gretchen raguse | styled by gretchen raguse and emily henderson | photo by kaitlin green | from:

From Gretchen: “I was in dire need of a new mattress when it came time to makeover my bedroom and thankfully I scored with this Original Mattress from Leesa. While I can sleep comfortably on virtually any surface, I will say I truly LOVE this bed. It’s on the firmer side, but because it’s made of foam, it hugs your body just right. I sink in just enough to feel like I’m being cradled without being sucked in. I’ve had it for just about a year and it’s held up incredibly well – it still looks and feels brand new!”

Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattressphotos by kailtin green

From Emily: “Honestly, I’m super jealous of this mattress. It is insanely soft and plush and is like sleeping on a cloud. The quilted topper lets you really sink in but it’s still very supportive. If I were to buy a new mattress for me and Brian now I would buy this one. A true surprise hit! So if you’re into sleeping on a cloud, this is your mattress. We have the “chill” version but haven’t noticed the cooling aspect but love it regardless.”

StaavaClassic Mattress (Firm + 14.5″ Mattress Height)photo by kailtin green | from: riverhouse primary bedroom

From Ken (Emily’s Brother): “My wife and I generally prefer a firm mattress because of our back problems and this one is perfect. So ya, it’s firm but does have a little spring. Since sleeping on this mattress, both backs feel so much better! And I know this is kinda random but the fitted sheet stays on so nice. Our last mattress was a super expensive memory foam and every night the sheet would pop off. It drove me nuts. Sleeping on this mattress is a night and day compared to that one. We are so happy with this new one.”

AvocadoAvocado Green Mattressdesign by arlyn hernandez | styling by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: arlyn’s bedroom reveal

From Arlyn: “I’ve had my Avocado mattress for three years and I still feel good about it specifically because it’s organic and doesn’t have so much yuck that traditional mattresses do have like fiberglass and fire retardants. In terms of comfort, it’s a pretty firm mattress and hasn’t gotten much softer over the years. That’s actually what I was looking for, but do sometimes miss the cushiness of my old memory foam mattress. It has helped my back greatly, but am considering swapping the firm mattress topper I got from them to a softer one eventually.”

CasperCasper Dream Maxdesign by mallory wackerman | styled by emily bowser | photo by veronica crawford | from: mal’s studio apartment reveal

From Mal: “I’ve had my Casper Dream Max for about a year and I LOVE it. When I laid on it in the store it was the cushiest, comfiest mattress I tried out by far – the lady at Casper told me it’s great for side sleepers (I sleep on my side, back, and front honestly but have noticed it’s much comfier to sleep on my side than other mattresses). It doesn’t have a ton of spring to it so if that’s your thing maybe skip Casper as a brand since their mattresses are more thick, cloudlike and sinkable (while still being supportive) but it does have the technology where if you’re sleeping with a partner you can’t feel their movement in the mattress as much if they get up or shift around in the night which is awesome. I really love this mattress overall and I think it’s so so comfy while still feeling very supportive. Plus, it comes in a box to your door so it’s nice not having to deal with the hassle. BTW if you’re looking between the Dream Max and the Snow Max – I personally felt the Dream Max was way softer/comfier even though they say they’re both Medium Soft (maybe it’s because the Snow Max has 2 extra layers?). Thought I would throw that out here because I genuinely love cooling elements as a hot sleeper so I thought I would like it more but turns out I’m team Dream Max!”

That’s how we all feel:) Do you all like these kinds of reviews? Let us know!!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kailtin Green | From: Riverhouse Primary Bedroom

The post Yay Or Nay Reviews: Our Honest Feelings About 5 Major Mattress Brands (Because We’ve Slept On Them:)) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on January 30, 2025 01:00

January 29, 2025

Here’s What Your Bathrooms Will Look Like In 2025 & Beyond (At Least If These Stunning Trends Are Any Indication)

It’s funny writing a trend post every year on a room like the bathroom. This is, of course, a space that wears some fairly permanent and expensive decisions. In fact, it’s common for true “trends” in kitchens and bathrooms to run the length of about a decade (or more). And surely, there are some design decisions that look good for a lifetime. But you wouldn’t be here reading about home aesthetics if you weren’t an enthusiast of sorts, wondering what’s next. So while I kind of cringe at the idea of trends for the sake of newness, I do also know there is a time and place for fresh ideas. If you’re embarking on a home reno or new home journey, you’ll likely need some concepts to chew on, whether you’re after just a few special details to add to your traditional design plan, or are looking to create something completely drama-filled.

And just like Jess said in her trend observations for kitchens in the coming year(s), I also don’t take these kinds of posts lightly. We research for weeks and often months (heck, sometimes the whole year) to see what other designers and firms have dared to do. What might stick? What could be fun to dream about? What feels like an entirely new idea? What feels like a classic detail done in a crisp way?

So, without further ado, here are the seven design “trends” I’ve taken notice of that I think have some serious legs.

Moody Boutique Hotel

The whole moody vibes thing really started to take hold maybe five-ish years ago, and with the color-drenching trend that exploded in the last year, it just makes sense this would make its way into the bathroom. It’s kind of always been a thing for powder baths where people are more comfortable taking risks, but this boutique hotel slash members-club aesthetic is primed to also make its way into primary baths.

design by life of plenty home | photo by justin march

First up is this absolutely gorgeous space by Life of Plenty Home. I especially love how subtle the contrast is between the dark lime-washed (or possibly Roman clay) walls and the more cream-leaning marble-fluted sink basin and rattan mirror. This keeps the design super interesting and layered without coming off overly glam.

design & styling by a1000xbetter | photo by michael p. h. clifford

Here’s the treatment in a full bath, by our friend A1000xbetter. This one is a bit more retro in vibe, between the terrazzo floor and the wood paneling, but the feeling is the same. It feels like the kind of room you can enter at 2 am when your bladder can’t make it to the morning, and your eyes won’t be smited by brightness.

design by crystal sinclair designs | styling by mariana marcki-matos | photo by tim lenz

I’m screaming this is so good. Forgive me for being graphic, but it’s kind of like the inside of a uterus in the absolute best way (girl power!). All jokes aside, it takes a very daring person to let their designer (Crystal Sinclair Designs in this case) implement something like this and I applaud this homeowner. And while that custom red marble sink is likely the cost of a hospital bill after giving birth, you can get a similar—if not so bold—look by opting for a deep burgundy wall or tile color, adding some thin picture frame molding, and going with an antiqued mirror finish on multiple surfaces.

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A post shared by Laura Brophy – Interior Designer (@laurabrophyinteriors)


A bit less glam is this powder back by Laura Brophy, achieved with a rough, possibly vintage or antique stone basin. Contemporary touches like the streamlined wall-mounted faucet, sconces, and the thin-framed mirror keep this space feeling forward-thinking rather than overly rustic.

Natural Spa Vibes

On the complete flip side of “moody boutique hotel” is the warm, natural spa aesthetic. While your mind might go to something very clean and white, this trend is far more rooted in earth tones and materials. Marble is replaced with wood, limestone, and slate. Surfaces are cohesive—meaning the same finish is seen across ceilings, walls, even vanities. It’s calm, luxe, and rich-looking while also down to earth.

design by yond interiors | styling by jen paul | photo by malissa mabey

While I was only really able to get two images approved for use, don’t let that make you think this isn’t having its moment. Because it is, and big time. In the last decade, we’ve seen a lot of colorful bathrooms, eclectic and glam spaces, charming English cottage looks, but I think this is where modern design is heading. More “quiet luxury” than in your face (but expected) spa. I especially love how Yond Interiors mixed the nearly velveting mushroom finish of the walls, ceilings, and pony wall (that houses the vanity) with a thick grouted slate and a stunning wood surround for the tub. I’m not sure how a wood like that would hold up to water over time, but I have to imagine that was thought through. (Also, you heard it here first: Slate and terra cotta floors are having a comeback…)

design by studio utkan gunerkan

Here’s a fairly different look, from Studio Utkan Gunerkan but the serenity they both serve is unmistakable. I think this is accomplished by picking just a few materials and using them all over. Here, the concrete-like material on the walls, floor, ceiling, and vanity is balanced by a pinkish clay-hued tile in the walk-in shower. That’s it. It’s simple but powerful.

Raw Edge Vanity

This is more of a detail than a full-room design move, and also kind of an offshoot of the warm natural spa look from above. I’ve been seeing so much of this lately, executed both in stone and in wood. Raw edges are particularly interesting when juxtaposed with the cold and pristine nature of a stone like marble.

design by anke design studio | styling by anna gawlik of anke design studio and justyna kuska of oni studio | photo by oni studio

I originally pulled this image to illustrate the previous trend, but then I couldn’t stop finding bathrooms with wood or stone with raw edges, like this one by Anke Design Studio. And while I’m sure this detail isn’t for everyone, it lends a one-of-a-kindness that doesn’t feel like it can be replicated. It’s uniquely yours and celebrates the beauty of stone.

architecture & design by alessandro isola | photo by thomas pagani

If you told me to close my eyes and picture a bathroom with rough-hewn and scraped wood on every surface besides the sink vanity, which was a boulder-like chiseled stone, I’d struggle to come up with something this refined in my brain. But Alessandro Isola somehow managed it expertly. This feels like a 5-star resort, as many of Isola’s spaces do, which typically feature raw-edged rock and stone elements where most tend to lean in linear, clean-cut marble and wood.

design by susannah holmberg studios | photo by malissa mabey

A bit less grand but no less beautiful. I love this bathroom by Susannah Holmberg Studios because it feels both incredibly special but somehow attainable. The live edge counter that flanks the plinth stone basin really grounds the room.

White Plumbing Fixtures

Gold and brass has had a chokehold on metal finishes for well over a decade at this point, and we’ve toyed with wondering what’s next. Chrome maybe? Polished nickel? Bronze? All of those are great options, but strangely white fixture finishes are kind of having a (niche) moment. Now, I don’t see this replacing brass in any way, but it’s a good contender if you’re after something new and modern.

styling by california casa | photo by aaron bengochea

A white faucet really plays to the youthfulness of this bathroom (this is actually a design in collaboration with Domino for surface company Concrete Collaborative). It doesn’t cut through or juxtapose anything about the checkered tile or the bobbin-esque mirror, but rather complements it perfectly.

design by lizzie green of popix designs | photo by charlotte lea

Here, by Lizzie Green of Popix Designs, the white faucet is more of a contemporary foil to the earthenware thin stacked tile on the wall. A brass fixture would have been beautiful, but this is unexpected, cheerful, and feels like an eternal spring.

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A post shared by HANDELSMANN + KHAW (@handelsmannkhaw)


And while I know this isn’t a faucet, I couldn’t skip over including the white finish on the metal doors of this shower (the space was designed by Handelsmann + Khaw). It’s such a cool look that we don’t see often.

Interesting Trimwork

We’ve been seeing picture frame molding everywhere, but it’s taken its time to make it into the bathroom in the same way it’s applied in living spaces. In addition to that, there’s also so much fun being had with subtle tile and marble trim work. Think contrasting colors, stripes, and barely-there stone. It’s really the kind of thing that can take a fairly subtle room and take it to the next level.

design by carlos garcia interiors | photo by christopher horwood

You don’t often see so much molding in a bathroom, but I love it! Now, keep in mind that in a powder bath like this one by Carlos Garcia Interiors, there isn’t much to be concerned with in terms of moisture, but in a bathing space, you may want to consider a PVC molding to avoid any warping or deterioration over time of the wood.

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A post shared by Centered by Design | Claire Staszak (@centeredbydesign)


The image I’m referencing here is on the second slide (in case it doesn’t default to that for you). This is a bathroom in Le Grand Mazarin Hotel, which was designed by Martin Brudnizki. As if the peachy tile with a subtle darker peach stripe every four rows wasn’t punchy enough, they added a black and white vertical stripe prior to the bullnosing. I think almost every room can stand to have some black sprinkled in, and this is a highly effective and quirky way to do it that’ll draw the eye and make you smile every morning and night.

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A post shared by Heidi Caillier Design (@heidicaillierdesign)


Heidi Caillier Design knows just how to take a fairly serious (and seriously beautiful) room and add that je ne sais quoi to make it feel new. In this instance, it’s the thick, lacquered green trim at the baseboard and around the opening to the bathtub nook.

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A post shared by Kirsten Blazek (@a1000xbetter)


Another one by A1000xbetter, I almost missed the delicate marble trim along the top line of the tile and around the threshold of the shower stall. I can’t stop looking at it and it’s such a surprising, simple detail in a room with so much else to look at.

Brown, Black & Dark Gray Natural Stone

Move over white marble because darker pigment natural stone is here to take its seat on the throne (and no, I don’t mean the toilet…or do I?). There’s such a gravitas to opting for an Emperador Marble or Nero Marquina marble over the more commonly used Carrara or Calacatta, and also feeds into the moody boutique hotel look I shared earlier.

design by montana labelle | photo by patrick biller

My jaw is on the floor here, and if ever I would allow my mouth to touch the ground, it would be on this gorgeous creamy and dreamy stone floor in a space by Montana Labelle. And look, I know that marble tub is something few could fathom for themselves, it’s great inspiration for the power of dark stone. Hard to go back to white stone after laying eyes (and jaw) on this.

design by style house la | photo by joe schmelzer/treasurebite studio

I’m fairly certain this stone is actually a red marble, but when I first earmarked it, I thought it was dark brown, so I’m letting it slide anyway. Isn’t this just so gorgeous? Thank you Style House LA for this marvel.

design by lark+palm | photo by paul dyer

For those not inclined to go so potent, darker gray marbles might just be for you. It’s stormy, modern, and plays nice with both warm and cool tones on other surfaces. I especially like it against a grey-washed wood like the one in this bathroom by Lark+Palm.

Color Drenching

Surprise, surprise…said no one. We can’t get away from color-drenching (I mean, I’m not ready to anyway), so it’s no wonder it’s sneaked into the bathroom. I love this one because it’s a fairly simple way to make a huge impact with some pretty affordable materials. Of course, like anything else, it can also read luxurious, modern and personality-filled, all depending on what you pick to get the point across.

design by another human | styling by joie einstein | photo by stephen paul

Another Human‘s Leah Ring is no stranger to creating spaces that make you smile while simultaneously leaving you thinking “wait, why didn’t I come up with that?” In white, the classic square tile and floating flat-fronted vanity would feel sterile, nearly clinical, but in sage and mint green, it’s just so dang pleasant.

design by erdem hamza | photo by ibrahim ozbunar

Color drenching doesn’t always have to feel contemporary, either. Erdem Hamza went monotone (with white for contrast) but in a way that is organic, worldly, and chic. Don’t be afraid to look at sinks and fixtures in colors other than white, and then match it to your wall paint and tile selections.

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Talk about happy! This is what I call color-drench-light. Meaning, yellow isn’t on every single surface, but it’s on just enough to get the point across. Tamsin Johnson varied a buttery yellow on the cabinets and mirrors and a darker ochre on the tile. Even the antiqued brass faucets seem to play into the color scheme.

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A post shared by decus (@decus_interiors)


And finally, a mauve moment by Decus Interiors. This is similar to Leah Ring’s green bathroom in that it’s a straight-forward square tile with a painted flat-front floating vanity, but it feels very different with the swirling stone that picks up on those purple hues, and the linear color-matched cabinet handles. It’s hushed but speaks volumes.

There you have it. Overall, there’s definitely a trend toward deeper, more personality-filled bathrooms, replacing the cold, white spaces that were the norm for decades. I hope these rooms inspire you, even if they wouldn’t be something you’d choose for yourself. Heck, may they push you to think outside the box for any room in your home, not just your bathrooms. But well, especially your bathrooms if you have the inclination to work on yours.

Until next time friends…

Opening Image Credits: Design by Montana Labelle | Photo by Patrick Biller

The post Here’s What Your Bathrooms Will Look Like In 2025 & Beyond (At Least If These Stunning Trends Are Any Indication) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on January 29, 2025 01:00

January 28, 2025

If We Could Recommend One Pendant Light For Any Style It Might Be This One…Come See Why

I can’t tell you when or where I was when I first saw a Noguchi Akari light sculpture but I can tell you that I have been in love with them since that moment. Considering they were first designed in the early 1950s and are as popular as ever almost 40 years after Noguchi’s passing, that’s like saying french fries are delicious…most people feel the same way. Not exactly a news flash. But when history, art, and innovation come together that’s when someone truly special and timeless is created and should be celebrated.

Here’s a brief history of these lights – It all began during a trip through Gifu, Japan when Isamu Noguchi was commissioned to create a couple of lanterns to help revitalize the once-booming lantern industry in that town. For him, these were meant to be functional sculptures and modernized lanterns that still incorporated traditional Gifu elements – washi paper, being collapsible, etc. On the Noguchi website, it said that “He would later refer to Akari as “‘elegant people’s art.'” I really love that for us:) And I don’t know about your feeds, but not a week (or day) goes by where I don’t see an Akari light sculpture in a beautifully designed space, in a VARIETY of home styles. They work with all of them! To me, there are a ton of reasons why they are still so popular which I’ll get into throughout this post but versatility is at the core of all of them. Today we are going to be focusing on the most popular style (at least from my vantage point) and that’s the Akari globe style pendants (not the official name because each size is simply called a different number).

The Classic Two
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A post shared by Reath Design (@reathdesign)


It’s no secret that this pendant (in both styles) has been copied more times than any of us could count. But as an owner of the one with “regularly spaced ribbing,” I can confidently say that getting the original if you can afford it, is so worth it. The washi paper is perfectly off-white and you can just see/feel the quality. The other style, which I also love, is the “random wound” spiraled ribbing. I read that he liked to alternate between the two.

How We’ve Used Them

Now I’m sure we’ve used them more than just these handful of examples but this is at least a fun way to see them used IRL!

design by jess bunge | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: makeover takeover: jess’ long awaited (small space) living room reveal

This was my beloved first studio apartment and an Akari pendant was at the top of my list for the living room. I will never stop saying that it gives off the prettiest, softest light and my only slight regret is not getting a bigger size (couldn’t justify the extra $$). This size is of course great, but I do love an oversized look which I’ll get more into later. This one though is currently in my bedroom awaiting its reentry onto the internet and yes, it looks perfect in that room too!

design by melanie burstin | photos by tessa neustadt | left from: mel’s living room reveal | right from: house tour: mel’s new place makes us want to declutter immediately

If you don’t know Mel, she’s an EHD alum who worked as a designer with us years ago. She’s our neutral minimalist queen who has a deep love and appreciation for Japanese design. So naturally her Akari pendant has traveled with her to all of her homes.

design by melanie burstin | photo by tessa neustadt | from: mel’s moto reveal

For non-design enthusiasts, I’m sure this more minimalist home style would be where most people would place these lights. The styles, colors, and aesthetics are very aligned…however…

photo by kaitlin green | from: our primary bedroom reveal! she’s blue (shocking), calm, and ready for a full show and tell

Emily also used a Noguchi-style light in her primary bedroom which is a VERY different style from Mel’s and it’s a total dream. It’s large enough to not get visually lost, it’s light enough to still make the ceilings feel tall, it talks to the light color of the rug, it adds another material and pattern, and is a fun shape! All in all, it’s perfect in here too.

Goes With Every Style

I thought it would be fun to look at more examples of how this pendant is the true design shape-shifter. It goes with everything while also making its own statement. It’s pretty cool to see it transform with each style. Come see…

Modern Organic
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A post shared by Sarah Sherman Samuel (@sarahshermansamuel)


Since most people associate these pendants with neutral color palettes, I thought I’d show you that but in a much more modern/contemporary way…well, a Sarah Sherman Samuel way:) This home is very “organic postmodern” so the contrast of the soft and textured light makes the whole room feel a little cozier.

Eclectic Industrial
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They also look so cool with that “Eclectic Industrial” loft look! Typically these spaces have a lot of straight lines with shelving, books, furniture, etc. So adding in a large, soft-lit ball in the middle of the space creates a ton of visual interest and texture. Plus the lined ribbing also complements all those straight lines. A win-win!

Collected Rustic Cabin
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Probably one of my favorite styles I see this pendant used is the “Collected Rustic Cabin”. The walls and/or ceilings are clad with reclaimed wood, the furniture is mostly vintage but in modern shapes, and there’s cool collected art and ceramics all over.

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A post shared by Maison Cotidiano | Interiors and architecture (@maison.cotidiano)


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A post shared by domino (@dominomag)


So when that beautiful textured, light cream pendant is installed, it’s again, the perfect soft happy statement that visually lifts the whole space and makes it feel lighter but retains the coziness.

Euro Modern

Ok, shoot. This is my other favorite style combo. The homes that have stunning old mouldings, big marble fireplaces, and a mix of old and new furniture. Feels very European but there are of course homes all over the world that could fit that description.

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A post shared by Amy Astley (@amyastley)


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A post shared by Lucy Williams Home (@lucywilliamshome)


With these two homes, their colorful, maximalist styles are incredible. A different ceiling light could have easily made these rooms feel more intense and serious. Instead, the Akari pendant lightened the mood, made them feel more fun and eclectic

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A post shared by Dwell (@dwellmagazine)


The same goes for this room. It’s a little less maximalist and ornate, but the use of an unexpected paper lantern hanging from the ceiling makes it feel more inviting.

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A post shared by @rocket_spaces


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A post shared by Clever (@getclever)


Of course, if you are an all-white, neutral home kind of person then this pendant was made for you too. It’s beautiful, isn’t boring, and has a cool texture and pattern. A totally neutral home doesn’t and shouldn’t be one note. A fixture like this can help avoid that:)

Grannycore
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The “grannies” love it too! This wonderfully colorful house is just a visual burst of joy. And what the Akari pendant does is it adds that texture I won’t stop talking about. But since it’s so neutral it lets your eye feast on everything else in the room first. Nothing is fighting.

Modern MCM
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This light was first designed in the 50s so these two are a match made in design heaven. No notes. Oh, but see what I mean about the glow!??

Oversized
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TELL ME THAT’S NOT THE COOLEST PENDANT IN THE WORLD?! I’m obsessed when people go for the oversized version. It’s simplicity lends to it! It’ll never visually overwhelm the space and it just looks impossibly cool. I can’t image a more perfect light for this space.

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A post shared by Marlene Zeiner Borthen (@mdezeiner)


Then you have these big boys in smaller spaces and still, not too much (actually quite perfect).

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A post shared by Lisa Staton Interior Design (@lisastatondesign)


Then what I loved about these two examples is that they look a little more like homes we’ve been in (still incredibly beautiful and out of my reach lol). I just feel like maybe these ones can help you envision this pendant in your home a little easier.

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A post shared by Roberto Saraceno (@heretoinspire74)


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A post shared by Helene Katrine | HoueDecorations | Denmark (@helenehoue)


Not much more to say aside from the fact that I also love these photos and thought they MUST be included:)

Double Trouble

While I was going through my saved Instagram posts, I noticed a little trend that in a lot of homes, two seem to be better than one. Let’s look!

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Another favorite photo that only intensifies my dream of owning a loft (preferably in NYC but I’m open:)). The pendants seem to be doing a magic trick where they are loud and quiet at the same time. Total perfection and maybe something to think about if you have an open-concept home.

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A post shared by Architectural Digest (@archdigest)


See? High ceilings, open-concept, and each pendant designates a zone. Extremely cool.

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A post shared by Clever (@getclever)


However, since most of us simply aren’t living the chic loft life that doesn’t mean multiple pendants can’t be in our homes too! See how Hayes Little Studio installed them in this sweet dining room?

In The Kitchen??

One other interesting observation I had in my photo research was that they are VERY popular in kitchens. Given the general mess of a kitchen with the oils and dust, I wouldn’t have thought this pendant would be an ideal choice but I am happy to be proven wrong.

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A post shared by Studio ETTHEM – Pauline Lorenzi-Boisrond // Maxence Lesueur (@studioetthem)


Aside from being a perfect kitchen in general (what I would give to call it mine!), since the pendant is placed far enough away from the stove I think it’s probably fine mess-wise. Plus, having that big round shape contrasting all the hard lines is so perfect.

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A post shared by domino (@dominomag)


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A post shared by Leanne Ford (@leannefordinteriors)


So again it appears the trick is to place the pendant far enough away from the stove and/or go high.

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A post shared by Elizabeth Roberts Architects (@elizabeth_roberts_architects)


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A post shared by Remodelista (@remodelista)


These were too pretty not to include:) You can go super high or super low. Let’s actually talk more about that…

Hang Low
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A post shared by The Local Project (@thelocalproject)


Another pretty awesome “feature” of these lights is that you can easily play with their height placement. Since the bulb is almost entirely covered and the light is ambient/evenly distributed they can be installed as almost a flush mount or low for a cool intentional design moment.

Other Classic Shapes
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The globe shape isn’t your only option. These saucer styles are other classics too.

Always The Floor Lamp Option
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A post shared by Lisa Rowe (@rowelosangeles)


And don’t worry! If you love these pendants but really only need a floor lamp, that is an option too.

I truly get so excited every time I see this pendant in a new design and see how effortlessly it works. I can’t imagine I’ll ever get tired of them because of how much brightness and coziness they inject into every space. How do you all feel? Do any of you have one of these beauties? Any other thoughts??

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Base Photo – Photo by Kaitlin Green, From: Our Primary Bedroom Reveal! She’s Blue (Shocking), Calm, And Ready For A Full Show And Tell | Top Right Photo – Design by Melanie Bursti, Photo by Tessa Neustadt, From: Mel’s MOTO Reveal | Bottom Left – Design by Jess Bunge, Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp, From: Makeover Takeover: Jess’ Long Awaited (Small Space) Living Room Reveal

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Published on January 28, 2025 01:00

January 27, 2025

What We Think Of Pinterest’s 2025 Color Trends (Based On Being Gen Z, Millenial And Almost Gen X)

One of the best things about this job is it keeps me young in a lot of ways because being a part of digital media (and social media) is inherently youth culture. I LOVE keeping up with what everyone is loving (and trying to figure out WHY????). Sometimes I truly don’t get it, but that’s the fun of it – we aren’t supposed to get everyone – it’s part of the ride of being alive in 2025. So today I thought it would be fun for each of us to analyze the Pinterest colors of the year and see how we would use them (either forced or voluntarily). I’m weighing in at age 45, born in 1979 so on the cusp of being Gen X and Millenial. Caitlin and Jess are both solid millennials, Gretch and Mal are millennial/Gen Z cuspers, and Marlee is a solid Gen Z. Here is what we ALLLL think 🙂

Cherry Red

Como Rechargeable LED Table Lamp | Vreeland Trays | Fortune Garden Stoneware Red Scallop Salad Plate | Staub Cast Iron 1-qt Round Tea Kettle | Ajax Steel Ladder Bookcase | Flowerpot V9 Rechargeable LED Portable Table Lamp

Emily (Elder Millennial/Gen X Cusp): LOVE. Definitely my favorite and I’m not afraid to use it in small doses everywhere (and have). If I were a hotel designer you bet I would incorporate it into a bar, bathrooms, dining spaces – just anywhere where I wanted that powerful punch.

Jess (Millennial): This one is my favorite. Bold but not too bright and even a little sexy:) Emily has long been using red as an unexpected pop of color, and I’ve loved it each and every time. I think that’s how I would use it, just as a little pop of color.

Caitlin (Millennial): LOVE. But, to be fair, I’ve been on the red train since we first called it as a trend in 2019. This shade of cherry almost works as a neutral – I’m thinking of using it in the same way that I’d use brass or chrome. (Think pops of red in cabinet knobs, light fixtures, or vessels.)

Gretchen (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): I love the boldness of cherry red, but in my own designs and stylings, it’s only a color I only use in small amounts. I live mostly in blues, greens and various shades of brown, so for me, I can only handle small pops. It’s a color I can definitely appreciate, but I will say, of these five colors, it doesn’t rank top of my list.

Mallory (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): I love nothing more than a cherry or wine red. Not only would I use it, but I literally did just use it in my closet-turned-speakeasy, so yeah I’m a fan of this anywhere and everywhere.

Marlee (Gen Z): Yes! But mostly in small doses – I do agree with the unexpected red theory. A frame or small piece of art, a stool, or ceramics. I have the same philosophy with clothes – I don’t think I can pull off a red sweater but I love a pair of red socks.

Butter Yellow

Coquille Mirror | le FLEUR* Linen Venice Set | Kiki Table Lamp/Sconce | Lucy Linen Embroidered Pillow | Middle Kingdom Miniature Porcelain Milk Jar Vase | HAY Basket

Emily (Elder Millennial/Gen X Cusp): I think this can be warm and inviting but isn’t my first choice in colors or yellows (I do LOVE a mustard, of course). But a kitchen in France? Sure 🙂 A painted porch ceiling in the South? Yep! But otherwise, I think I’m not into this as much as a lot of people.

Jess (Millennial): This is the color I painted my room in high school. I wanted to be more sophisticated and what was more grown up than pale yellow walls with black and white toile? Ha. Anyway, in 2025 it wouldn’t be a color I would jump to use but when done right I think it’s very pretty.

Caitlin (Millennial): FINALLY, MY BATHROOM TILE IS EN VOUGUE. I knew this day would come!!! My home is filled with so much butter-yellow tile (it’s in the kitchen, too) that I would need to be paid to even consider putting this hue ANYWHERE else in my home. Hard pass on this one from me, though I am very into sunnier yellows right now – the mirror above is much closer to my preferred shade.

Gretchen (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): Sorry to disappoint my butter-lovers out there, but this one is probably my least favorite of the bunch. Does that mean I hate it? No. But I am not running to the paint store any time soon. To me, it’s just a little too pale and puny. Of all the yellows, I gravitate toward a richer, more saturated, golden hue. A yellow that feels a little more grounded than this.

Mallory (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): Yellow has been my favorite color since I was a literal baby (case and point: my nursery was painted yellow!!) I’m thrilled that this color is trending because I have vintage butter yellow tile in my 1950s apartment kitchen that will absolutely be staying and now I want to bring in even more butter yellow to the space.

Marlee (Gen Z): Hmmmm… maybe? It’s a nice color to look at. I’m not opposed to this shade of yellow for linen bedding or in the form of velvet throw pillows. I could also get behind some butter-yellow tiles as a bathroom or kitchen backsplash. The more I look at it the more I start to like it – I think I’d take this over mustard honestly.

Indigo Aura

Jolene Cotton Wool Woven Throw Blanket | Eloise Glass Table Lamp | Riley Velvet Platform Bed | Morgan Double Old Fashioned Glasses (Set of 4) | UO Home Toile Removable Wallpaper | Avery Squiggle Multi-INSTAX Picture Frame

Emily (Elder Millennial/Gen X Cusp): Not for me, but Elliot (read: my 9-year-old daughter) would love it. Generally, I think this color reads young, or if used by a grownup I fear that it goes tacky. There… I SAID IT, SORRY PINTEREST. And yes, this color did make me feel old… I’m really enjoying some of the below enthusiasm though (which always makes me doubt myself – Caitlin is sooooo good and predicting trends!!)

Jess (Millennial): I’ve simply never loved purple, not even when I was young. A burgundy or maroon is as close as I get. This is a hard pass for me even though I’ve liked it for other people when they’ve done something really cool with it.

Caitlin (Millennial): SORRY, I LOVE IT. I think this one is going to be the sleeper hit of the year, TBH. I’m (finally) putting the finishing touches on my (unexpectedly moody!) bedroom right now, and I’m looking for a quilt or blanket that echoes the palette of the wallpaper above. It feels a little fresh and unexpected, especially when paired against some deep, desaturated tones. (But also…indigo? Girl, this is lavender. Or lilac. Maybe even periwinkle. BUT INDIGO?! Who names these?!)

Gretchen (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): SORRY, I ALSO LOVE IT. When a few of us started sharing our initial thoughts on these colors and this pretty purple was getting somewhat poo-pooed, I was holding back a smile because this is a color I have really been liking lately. I am hesitant to incorporate too much into my space at once, but ever since I saw this rug at IKEA, (which I should’ve snagged when I saw it because it doesn’t seem to be available) I have been looking for ways to incorporate it. I especially love it in combination with the next color.

Mallory (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): This is definitely the hardest color to incorporate in the group so if this is a game of smash or pass I’m definitely going to have to pass. But if I HAD to use it, it could be fun just as a little pop of color somewhere (and I think it would look good with a creamy white and brown palate).

Marlee (Gen Z): Respectfully it’s a no from me. I know it’s technically not the same shade of purple but it really reminds me of Justin Berber’s “Never Say Never” era. That’s NOT a bad thing but not something I want to think about daily. Who knows, maybe it will grow on me – never say never I guess!

Dill Green

Pablo Velvet + Linen Circle Pillow | Jade Artisanal Glass Vases | Green Coat | Kodhi Mini Table Lamp | Silas Media Console | Velvet Button Tufted Lumbar Pillow

Emily (Elder Millennial/Gen X Cusp): YES. I love this far more than olive (which I like, but tend not to use – wait, except Kaitlin’s basement). This feels happy and youthful and fairly easy to incorporate (I want that round pillow NOW).

Jess (Millennial): Also a big YES! I love this tone of green. I might ideally skew a little darker but overall I would happily use this green in small accents with decor in my home.

Caitlin (Millennial): LOVE. This feels like olive green’s spunky younger sister. I’ve never been too into cooler-toned greens (emeralds aren’t really for me), and this feels like such a welcome departure from the more muted greens we’ve seen ad nauseam for the last 5 years. Like, YES, DILL! Bring the energy! Bring the joie de vivre! (I also invested in a massive jade-colored sectional at the end of 2024, so I’m feeling validated here.)

Gretchen (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): Yes, yes, and YES. I am a green girl to my core. My favorite color, which I lovingly call, “baby sh*t green”, could be Dill’s color cousin. So I love this one deeply.

Mallory (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): Dill is perhaps my favorite herb so this color is a hell yes for me! This green would work anywhere, anytime.

Marlee (Gen Z): I am a huge green enthusiast so yes – I think this would be pretty in a bathroom. I’ve been eyeing one of those semi-sheer “sun shower” curtains and like the idea of this color for one of those.

Alpine Oat

Linen Table Lamp | SANDBRODD | Small Stoneware Vase | Wall Art | Jodie Wing Chair

Emily (Elder Millennial/Gen X Cusp): I mean yes ma’am, but to be fair it’s literally just a warm white. But since anything “alpine” or “apres” is trending this snowy color makes sense that it’s being called out (despite just being a white).

Jess (Millennial): Another slam dunk but I also think it’s funny that a light oat/cream is “trending”. Isn’t it kinda always? This color is key in my house and while I never plan to go full minimalist/no color, I love how it adds a quiet warmth to a space.

Caitlin (Millennial): ARE YOU JOKING? I see through your branding, “Alpine Oat.” YOU ARE JUST WARM WHITE. It’s fine. I will continue to use white as I always have (sparingly, lest everything in my home be covered in stains). I feel like Miranda Priestly here – “Cream? A trending color? Groundbreaking.” But congratulations to everyone with creamy white paint – we are all seemingly ahead of the curve!!!

Gretchen (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): It feels like a stretch to call this “color” Alpine Oat, unless the whiteness of the mountaintops are meant to entirely cancel out the gentle browns of an oat. Let’s call it what it is–this is just cream. Maybe oat milk? Regardless, it’s nice. It goes with everything and it will always be around, but it doesn’t excite me the way the other colors do.

Mallory (Millennial/Gen Z Cusp): Well this color is certainly creamy and delicious…I’m VERY into it (although I’m starting to get sick of seeing it used in a boucle fabric). Creamy whites are always in and I personally have this color all over my home currently (shoutout to Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams).

Marlee (Gen Z): This feels like it should be an obvious yes, but I’m struggling to think of where I would use this – could be a cozier alternative to white bedding. Would love some carpenter pants in this shade though:)

Ok so we had some agreements, some disagreements, and now we want to hear from you! What do you all think? Love all of them? Have a favorite? xx

The post What We Think Of Pinterest’s 2025 Color Trends (Based On Being Gen Z, Millenial And Almost Gen X) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

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Published on January 27, 2025 01:00

January 26, 2025

The Link Up: Another Way To Help LA Fire Victims , Gretch’s Affordable Light-Filtering Curtains, And Marlee’s Best Way To Charge Your Phone On The Go

This week has not been an easy one. The fires in Los Angeles still aren’t out (writing this before the weekend so crossing our fingers for the promised rain) and we’ve been so disheartened by the recent executive orders, which threaten both the citizenship and future employment prospects of an overwhelming majority of Americans. (And if your drug prices went back up this week, we’re thinking of you!). There’s of course more to be extremely concerned about but what we plan to do right now is support the communities that are most affected and not let the overwhelming amount of news hitting us every day make us shut down. We will be here to give resources when we learn about them and continue to be an escape/place of joy. So with that said here are this week’s links…

This week’s house tour is a hotel tour by the one and only Chzon, global French design firm founded by Dorothée Meilichzon. Their designs are beyond inspirational and this one, Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère, is a perfect example of that. Per usual the headboards are ICONIC but everything down to the bathroom vanities is just so thoughtful and interesting. Go check it out!

From Emily: Catie of Pen + Napkin fame is an angel and is dedicated to organizing help from designers (and anyone) to help furnish homes of fire victims. SHE IS AN ACTUAL ANGEL. If you can donate, know that Catie and her team are incredibly trustworthy and will use them directly to help the families. And if you are a local CA designer and want to help – they are desperate for more designers to volunteer to help furnish and enjoy these homes. No donation is too small (and when it’s our time to help a family with a home we’ll announce it here and see if we can get any local LA help in case you don’t want to run the project but want to volunteer your time). Too many families need our help. Thank you so much to Catie and Pen + Napkin for opening your doors and arms.

To Volunteer – https://www.penandnapkin.org/volunteer.html

To Give – https://givebutter.com/WILDFIRES

To Nominate a Family: Email Catie@penandnapkin.org the family’s story and photos and in the Subject put Family Nomination. 

From Gretchen: I’ve had a curtain problem in my living room for quite some time now. When I moved in, my landlord (bless her heart) provided me with some very cheap-looking, slightly mismatched blackout curtains that only grazed the bottom of the window sill rather than the floor. Did they work? Sure. A little too well. They’d completely block out all the great natural light that should be streaming through my big, picture window. But they weren’t so hideous that I’ve forced myself to live with them for (gulp) a year. That is until Em needed some simple, linen sheer curtains for a recent makeover, and turned me onto these awesome ones from Target. They look a lot more expensive than they are and let the light through beautifully without being so sheer that you don’t also have privacy. I ran to the store and snagged the same ones for myself to swap with that landlord special, and I am so pleased with how they look in my living room! I no longer live in a cave and my curtains now kiss the floor, just the way I like it.

From Jess: It’s been a really hard week, as we already said in the intro, but one thing that has been helping me is music. That may seem like a no-brainer but I’m not always one to jump to music when I’m having a lot of feelings. However, both Bad Bunny’s new album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and Naika’s music, an artist I just discovered, have brought me so much joy. Three of the songs off Bad Bunny’s album are currently in the top 5 songs in the world and I’m not surprised in the least. It’s been called a love letter to Puerto Rico and you can feel it from the moment you hit play. I loved watching this interview to get an even deeper look into his journey to make it. Now, Naika’s music is also full of love and passion. One of my favorites is For Gerard which is dedicated to her great uncle. This is the story about him and it makes me love this song even more.

From Mallory: I found the cutest Air Force 1s at a vintage store and was THRILLED when they happened to be my exact size!! They have the cutest green details but are mostly white and beige so they truly go with everything. Been living in these bad boys. They’re selling them at a few spots online (I also found them at KITH) but they’re mostly in the resale market I believe since they’re vintage. If you’re a Nike gal I highly recommend snagging a pair of airforce 1s I think they’re VERY comfy 🙂

From Caitlin: My favorite movie of 2024 nabbed a handful of Oscar nominations this week, including a well-earned nod for Best Picture! My boyfriend is a huge movie buff with great taste, so it wasn’t a surprise when he grabbed us two tickets to Anora back in October. It takes a classic Pretty Woman storyline (to keep it PG) and TOTALLY turns it upside down. I laughed out loud SO many times (the henchmen are perfectly cast!) and Mikey Madison is a REVELATION – she absolutely deserves to win Best Actress, IMO. (And they did it all for only $6 million dollars, no less! Compare that to over $190 million for Dune, $145 million for Wicked, and even ~10 million for The Brutalist.) They’re like the little engine that could! It’s a total blast to watch – highly recommend if you’re looking for an escape this weekend. (You might want to avoid if you’re sensitive to swearing, though!)

From Marlee: We were on a big big shoot this week which meant I was running around with my phone taking lots of videos and using LOTS of battery. Gretch grabbed 2 of these magnetic rechargeable batteries from Target and they were so good to have. They stick to the back of your phone (via magnet) and you don’t have to mess with a cord getting in the way (I will never understand how that works but I’ll take it). Definitely an essential to have on set, but since there’s also a little stand that pops out, I’ll definitely be using this to prop my phone up during dinner and scroll time.

From Arlyn: I’ve had the hardest time finding a sweatshirt that ticked all the boxes I wanted it to check. Prior to our end-of-year trip, I popped into Target in hopes of finding something I could have for the plane and every single thing in the women’s department was a let down. They were all either cropped and boxy, which NEWSFLASH does not work on every body, tight and “sexy” (why does a hoodie have to be sexy, exactly?) or made of a material akin to a scuba suit. It was awful and disheartening. Before giving up entirely, I checked the men’s department and found exactly what I was looking for! Soft, roomy, and long enough to cover at least the top part of the tush. It’s on clearance now and I’m tempted to buy another one (I got the light green color and it’s great).

Thank you for reading and see y’all tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: My First Time Installing Wallpaper! Spoonflower’s “Prepasted” Paper FTW (Introducing The Sweetest Laundry Closet Ever)

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Published on January 26, 2025 01:00

January 25, 2025

Four New Vintage Finds (And Where I Styled Them)

I need nothing and yet here we are, with new things. The good news is by the “School of Advanced Rationality” we all know that buying vintage locally doesn’t count as consumption or consumerism. Perhaps even the opposite? So these are the four things that I found over the holiday break and I’m frankly really really into all of them.

A Side Table For Charlie

I found this side table in the basement of a huge antique mall (it’s an old school converted into mall in Newberg, OR) and it was covered in other broken pieces. I thought it was a cool shape and that it would go with Charlie’s post-modern tween vibe that he is into (it seems like a 70’s office but since it’s solid wood it felt cool, not janky). It was $90, which felt high since it was covered in furniture and dust (not a curated vintage shop). I wanted it to be $60, so we settled easily on $75 which honestly still felt like it was too high, but since I knew exactly where it was going it didn’t feel like a greedy hoard. Of course in reality a $75 unique wood table is actually a steal and I’m so glad I did it. I don’t love the black plastic wheels but kept them on for now because I was too lazy and it’s not like Charlie cared. BTW his room is kinda coming together – he still doesn’t really want me to “decorate” it which I get and frankly have other fish to fry, so we are just collecting cool stuff and I’m letting him have fun with it. He got the Simpson prank phone for Christmas and the red balloon sculpture dog will go on my gift guide next year – we actually bought it used at Memory Den in Portland, but its a really hilarious and fun robotic dog that does inappropriate things and makes us all laugh (pee, fart, poop, bark, etc).

My First Tiffany Lamp

I’ve loved Tiffany lamps since I was young because they are colorful, floral, old world and when done right, provide the prettiest ambient light. So much craftsmanship goes into these! I’ve been calling a comeback for a while (some of the 90s Tiffany lamps are kinda rough, TBH) but it’s really about the lamp and where you style it. Oh, and I’ve fallen in love with many before and they were like $1200, so when I found this one for $180 I snagged it (still expensive, but I knew it was worth). The colors in it are PERFECT and it’s so solid and heavy. I thought it would look best in the dark blue media room, but there was nowhere to put it. Then I stuck it here and I’m OBSESSED with it in our kitchen – especially in the evening and morning during these long dark winters. It gives such a pretty colorful glow.

Vintage Painting From Brian

Brian and I don’t really surprise each other with big holiday gifts, but I was thrilled that he noted my love for this vintage painting at our local dope vintage Scandinavian store Form and Function in Multnomah Village. I love the colors, the world, the boats, the blues, and greens with hits of red. I don’t know where it’s going to land forever, but I love it in here for now.

I put it in the guest room for now and it’s making me happy, but is also making me really want to finish designing my bed so I can bring up the bed that’s currently in my room (but I designed for this room) in its rightful place. We’ll see if the painting should move after that happens.

New Painting On Mantel

I saw this piece on Shop Wilma’s IG page, by an artist named P.R. McIntosh in the 1960s. It was sold by the dealer, @donefortheday, and I scooped it up immediately. I’ve wanted a more impactful piece here for a while and have been eyeing Charlie Salas-Humara’s work (which I still do) but this one is so good. Clearly, I’m having a real moment with this color palette.

No need to look at my sad fireplace 🙂 I just wanted to show you the sense of scale. That fireplace is getting painted in February I SWEAR. The two vases on the left are not vintage, also Christmas presents from Brian from Form and Function 🙂 Oh, and just so you can gauge pricing this painting was $550 which felt reasonable to me since it’s big, the colors felt perfect for me, and the frame is even good enough. Supporting local vintage dealers that are putting in so much time to curate cool stuff makes me feel good.

Art is the one thing that I never pass up if it’s within a reasonable budget and I love it. I think that vintage art absolutely MAKES the home, turns any basic room into a conversation, and it’s always more affordable than a newer piece. 🙂

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Published on January 25, 2025 01:00

January 24, 2025

Love It Or Leave It: Should These Readers Replace A Piece Of Furniture They’re Struggling With Or Make It Work? Here’s What We Said…

Welcome to Love It or Leave It, a fun concept Jess and I cooked up earlier this month to satisfy both of my design loves: helping people to shop for specific pieces that will help improve the way their room functions, and brainstorming ways for readers to make something they already have work. We put out a call to our audience and it turns out, more people just need help shopping. Ha. We did find a reader who let me have some creative fun with an existing item, though, so read to the bottom to see what we did with a *super* rough around the edges dresser she found on Facebook for $25!

First up, Katie, who wants to revamp her whole room eventually but is starting with her media cabinet.

Leave It: Media Cabinet Trade Up

“This room as a whole is a little bit of a problem child, and I think part of the problem is the buffet/bar. Once I get it figured out, I should have a much better idea on what I want for chairs, colors for side tables, what type of lamps/accessories, etc. All of the pieces, even the curtains, were bought/collected for my last apartment and we just made them work when we moved here two years ago. Here’s what I need: Something that fits the space better, provides some storage but also display space, and helps to define the space better.” — Katie B.

Before I jump into my recommendations, I want to add some more information I got from this reader. She said the sofa is where it is because she has toddlers that she doesn’t want climbing onto that pony wall, otherwise she’d prefer it in front of the window. From the door on the left to the window wall is 14 feet, from floor to picture rail is 8 feet, and the total ceiling height is 14 feet. She’s open to a bookshelf or a buffet.

Now, for my take. I agree that their existing buffet (48 inches wide) is just too small, especially with 14-foot ceilings. The hardware and two-toned finish feels a little dated in here, and I think a wider and/or taller piece is going to work wonders for grounding this room. It could be such a cute piece with a cabinet knob/pull refresh and maybe even a paint job, but I’d find another room for it.

What I’m not clear about is whether this is their main living area where they’d prefer to have a TV or just a front receiving room. Either way, I’m going to give them an opportunity to use the wall space for art or a television.

While I LOVE big giant bookcases (and think the height would help balance the tall ceilings), I don’t think this is the room to do that in. They need something with a little breathing room. Here’s what I’m thinking:

Top row, from left: Austen Black Traditional 3 Piece Entertainment Center, $1,395 at Living Spaces | Bankhead TV Stand, $1,240 at Wayfair | Besta Oak Console (Doors, Tops & Sides Only, Besta Cabinet Included), $1,632 at Fronteriors | Bottom row, from left: Bowie Media Console (92″), $2,799 at Pottery Barn | Jasper 72 in. Tall Warm Pine Solid Wood Standard Ladder Bookcase with Fluted Cabinet, Set of 3 | Scarlett TV Stand, $630 at Wayfair

Katie included in her email that she really liked the Jasper ladder bookcases, but her husband didn’t like that they couldn’t add a TV to the space if that’s the route they went. It didn’t seem like a deal breaker, so I included it down here because I think stylistically, they could work well in her home. I would recommend that instead of the set of 2 she showed me, she ups it to 3, to cover about 100 inches of wall space. Since the bottom 8 inches are open, it can still accommodate the A/C return at the baseboard on the left side of that long wall. I don’t, however, love the color of the warm pine with all the other wood in the room. It’ll feel a bit too one note, tbh unless they plan on painting the walls.

Because of that, I rounded out some other picks in different colors. The black entertainment center from Living Spaces is such a great price, but it’s not clear to me what the size really is. It says 74 inches, but is that the media stand itself not including the bookshelves, or is that total? It may be too diminutive if that’s total, tbh. The black is a nice departure from all the oak in the room, but the silhouette is still classic enough to make sense. That Bankhead TV Stand isn’t 100% in line with my taste (mostly just that arch at the very bottom rail), but the color is nice, the size is right and it provides plenty of storage. I like the warm, deep tone of the Bowie Media Console for some variation but it’s about three times the original price of what Katie said she was looking to spend. The Scarlett is very cute and well-priced but I wonder about quality in the long run.

Oh, and that Besta Oak Console in the green…I had to include that because I’ve had a five-door Besta set up for about 10 years now and it’s still one of the hardest working pieces in my house. Fronteriors makes beautiful doors, tops and sides to make it extra special, and that green stain could be very fun in that room.

Leave It: Family-Friendly Reading Nook

“We moved into our new home a year ago and I’m still working to replace a few pieces of furniture. I’m interested in replacing the chair in the corner with something high-quality and stylish. I’d love to be able to cozy up on it to read a book with the kids or do some work, but haven’t found the right one that fits the style of the room. We also have kids + a dog so durability is a must! I’d like to avoid anything that feels very mid-century.” — Andrea K.

I moved into my home two years ago, and my bedroom looks far less finished than this does. So, Andrea, I’m just here to tell you that you’re doing great! But I was so stoked when I got this request because look, you may not know this about me, but I’m an armchair fanatic. Give me any excuse to spend someone else’s money to shop for armchairs, and I’ll take it!

So, Andrea is working with roughly 42 inches between the drapery and the dresser, and her budget is flexible but she’s thinking around $2,000, which is a pretty healthy amount for an armchair. I wanted to find her something that’s sturdy because she mentions having kids and pets, a bit modern to match the room’s current clean-lined aesthetic, but cushy and comfortable for cuddling up in.

Her existing chair looks like a white boucle and I think this little corner is begging for some muted, subtle color. A moss green or buttery yellow/citrine would still feel like a neutral here while providing some contrast between the dark gray curtain and the deep-stained wood of the dresser. I didn’t want to go overboard with pattern or a dramatic hue because that’s just not in line with what I’m seeing in the rest of the space. I rounded up six options that I think would all look beautiful here, three being more classic and tailored design options, and three being more “statement” chair picks.

Top row, from left: Vale Armchair, $1,899 at The Citizenry | Amelia Swivel Chair, $1,599 at Sixpenny | Matrix Velvet Lounge Chair, $599 at Article | Bottom row, from left: Desmond Chair, $720 at West Elm | Gio Chair, $1,699 at Sixpenny | Rumford Accent Chair by Jake Arnold, $1,399 at Crate & Barrel

Everything here is in budget (or well below), and sized right for this reading nook to-be.

My top pick is the Amelia Swivel Chair by Sixpenny. It’s one of their more compact designs (we’re not working with much space here, remember), but just the right shape for sharing with a little pint-sized human or pet. It’s a touch more formal with the skirt, but still really clean-looking and cozy. Also in the comfort chair category is this neat little seat from The Citizenry (love those bun feet) and Article’s Matrix chair, which I got for my parents and it’s so soft. It’s a petite chair that delivers big on comfort and color.

Now, for a little fun if the reader is looking for a “moment.” The Desmond Chair might be a bit too contemporary but man do I love it! Plus it’s on sale for around $720 which is such a steal in the accent chair world. The remaining two are about twice as much as that, but so special. The ridged frame of the Gio Chair is SO good, but definitely isn’t as much of a snuggle chair as the others being that it has wood arms rather than upholstery. And I love everything about the Rumford Chair, but it’s certainly more of a style risk, and I’m unsure of this reader’s risk tolerance.

Love It: Dressing Up a Dresser

“The dresser we had when we moved into our remodeled 100-year-old bungalow was sweet, but no longer my style, and so much white. She was sold to a new home. Enter the replacement dresser, a $25 Facebook marketplace find with potential. The dimensions, drawer pulls, and straight lines were what we had searched for, so I nabbed it! My plan was to finish removing the half-ripped-off painted wallpaper and repaint it; I haven’t made it very far yet. I’m in need of a path for color. The rug sums up my general color choice: blue/green. The bedroom is right off the living room. One side of the room has quite a bit of wood. I could consider painting the room, as well. I like the comforter color but originally considered doing the dresser in that shade, so I’m willing to change up the bed though not with a white comforter as it needs more charm, I think.” — Jennifer W.

I want to begin by saying how lovely the previous dresser was (above, right). The scale was great for the space and it was really charming. I can see how the white dresser on the light gray walls and the gray rug (she says it’s blue/green so maybe it’s super light and the sun is washing it out in the photo) might feel too sterile, but it was lovely.

Now, for the new dresser. The reader mentioned they were looking for this smaller scale and something in a clean, modern style, so while I liked the original dresser for the room maybe a bit better, I’m gonna trust that Jennifer has her reasons (plus, there’s no getting back the other dresser anyway).

Jennifer brings up making some other changes, like the bedding and even the wall color, but we’re going to stick with discussing the dresser and see if that takes her anywhere. I wanted to deliver some paint color recommendations in the family color she seems to like. I also think adding a wood top to the dresser would warm it up and marry well with the wood on the other side of the room via the bed and nightstand. This can be pricey, but will really elevate the piece. Also, she notes liking the hardware, but personally, I find it a bit too starkly modern as compared to what else is in this bedroom. It’s just optional, but I’m also including some new affordable pulls. Let’s take a look at everything:

Top row, from left: SW 7605 Gale Force by Sherwin-Williams | SW 6208 Pewter Green by Sherwin-Williams | Newburg Green HC-158 by Benjamin Moore | Bottom row, from left: Black Forest Green HC-187 by Benjamin Moore | No. 289 Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball | SW 6236 Grays Harbor by Sherwin-Williams

The green this reader is trying to replace (that’s on the painted wallpaper she’s working to peel off) doesn’t have enough depth, and she should look for something with a little more black or grey in it. Gale Force is a gorgeous color for cabinetry (that actually looks a bit more blue in real life). Stay tuned for a special project reveal soon that uses this killer hue. Pewter Green is much more green than it is blue—and you’ll recognize it from the Portland kitchen. It would work well if she wants to keep her bedding blue.

I had to sneak in my favorite Inchyra Blue from my old dining room as it’s that perfect sort-of-blue-sort-of-green-totally-gorgeous shade. For something more squarely emerald green, I love Black Forest Green and for something bluer, Grays Harbor is a solid pick (the color of the cabinet in the upstairs hallway in the Portland project, of course).

From left: BESTÅ Top Panel, Oak Veneer at IKEA | 4 ft. L x 25 in. D Finished Engineered Walnut Butcher Block Countertop | 4 ft. L x 25 in. D Unfinished Birch Solid Wood Butcher Block Countertop

Now, I don’t know the dimensions of her dresser, so I can’t give real recommendations here, but here are a few options. I think a deeper walnut stain is ideal for a deep jewel tone, but she could also go the route of a lighter unfinished birch or white oak if she’s after something not as regal. For a more budget-friendly solution, you can try to make something yourself. Check out this DIY and this DIY for two options.

From left: 10 Pack 10-inch Champagne Copper Cabinet Pulls, $60 at Amazon | khtumeware 6 Pack 10-Inch Champagne Bronze Cabinet Pulls, $60 at Amazon | Asidrama 6 Pack 10-Inch Brushed Gold Cabinet Pulls, $47 at Amazon

Now, for the last part that she didn’t ask for…possibly some new hardware? While what she has might be A-okay after some paint rehab of the dresser, I do like the slightly softer appeal of these three. This 10-pack is subtle, simple and clean, while this 6-pack feels more traditional. If she’s looking for clean and contemporary, I do like these.

All in, between the original $25 expense of the dresser, paint (not including supplies because I’m not sure what she already has on hand), a wood top and maybe even some hardware, this project will come in at around $300…not bad for what will end up looking like a brand new dresser!

There we are! I had a lot of fun window shopping with a hyper-specific list, and hope that these three readers find some solid solutions in my recommendations. And as always, let us know in the comments if there are any other areas of your home you’d love our help with. Throw out some suggestions or ideas that would be helpful to address, and we’ll see what we can cook up.

Until next time…

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Published on January 24, 2025 01:00

January 23, 2025

My First Time Installing Wallpaper! Spoonflower’s “Prepasted” Paper FTW (Introducing Our Sweet Laundry Closet)

Like many design projects before this one, this laundry closet was super boring and yet kinda daunting to fix so it fell down the priority list in life, with no guilt. I knew that eventually I wanted wallpaper in here, I dreamed of a fun pattern and color that delighted you when you opened the doors. I ordered a ton of samples from Spoonflower (their inventory is incredible), but what I didn’t know was that I could install their “prepasted” wallpaper myself. AND NOW IT’S ALL I WANT TO USE IN MY HOME!! It was SO easy, not scary, was so fast, and needed only a few very basic tools. My team blocked off three days for this project (to shoot the content, too) and it took under 6 hours. Sold.

Where Is This Laundry Closet?

The laundry closet is on the landing of the second floor near both kids’ rooms and the guest room (seen above when we first moved in, Oscar shaming me for this basic rug). We have a larger mudroom with a smaller capacity washer/dryer downstairs, but this is where the bulk of the laundry gets done (it gets thrown in the guestroom where we tackle it all on Sundays.). It was pretty basic, with the cutest vintage doors, but the inside was super boring which made it a perfect place for me to do something fun (and do it myself, a very low-risk space).

Spoonflower has an incredible inventory of wallpaper patterns and colors, many customizable. They’ve even got an inspiration page just for laundry rooms. They work with thousands of artists who design patterns of every style and every color. You can also choose between traditional unpasted, prepasted (what we did and I’m never going back), peel-and-stick, or metallic paper (which we used in my niece’s closet). Plus, all their patterns come as fabrics as well if you want to go full ‘Garden State’ and match your curtains to the walls. Everything we ordered got here within 2 weeks and I was pleased as punch.

Wallpaper

The install was so easy, they created a video that shows you how to install prepasted wallpaper here and we produced a reel here with some basics (but their video has a great step-by-step). Essentially, the glue is already on the back and you use a basic spray bottle with water to activate it. Then you book it on a table (fold over the sides), wait 5 minutes, and hang it vertically (starting from the top and, of course, being mindful of repeats). You use a squeegee to get the bubbles out and wipe off any excess glue or water with a rag or sponge. The paper is so forgiving and easy to take off and reposition. There are a ton of tips to think about which they have outlined, but trust me that it was so much easier than predicted. We made a reel about it here.

Again, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to do it ourselves (the hardest part was taking out the washer and dryer). I even thought about buying the same yardage in fabric and figuring out how to cover the fronts of the washer and dryer (which I quickly decided was a totally unnecessary and wrong idea).

Wallpaper | Washer + Dryer | Switchplates | Laundry Basket (vintage) | Rug (similar) | Vintage Door Paint Color

I know that our washer/dryer look a bit old school/dated and that’s because they are not fancy or designer. Welcome to our Speed Queen, aka the incredibly basic, efficient, high capacity, industrial strength, durable, and never breaks down washer/dryer machine. And yes, top loading FTW. If anyone has a genius (but not super extensive or expensive) way to make the dryer vent look better let me know. It doesn’t bother me enough to think about it but sure, I’d rather it not be in my pretty shots 🙂

Shelves Paint Color | Rope Trim | Wood Brackets | Baskets (vintage)

I designed the shelves pretty simply and yet they turned out so dang cute! I went to Aurora to find vintage brackets or some reclaimed antique wood trim but came up empty. I then went to Home Depot and found these adorable brackets and rope trim piece. As you can see it’s a basic design – so Dave, our wonderful handyman, installed a support piece of wood around the sides and back along with three brackets per shelf. They are 24″ deep since the closet itself is so deep and we need to easily reach the detergent. The first shelf houses laundry stuff (detergent, lint bin, missing sock basket, dryer sheets, etc) while the top shelf is for linens that we don’t need to access very often.

Rechargable Lamp | Wood Lazy Susan | Glass Container | Metal Container (similar) | Waffle Towels | Striped Towels (similar)

I love how the rope trim on the front of the shelves talks to the squiggles in the wallpaper pattern. Dave painted the shelves and brackets Comfort Gray by Sherwin-Williams which is a light blue/green/gray that matches the lighter tones in the wallpaper. I couldn’t be happier.

We all agreed that the old-school vibe of the washer/dryers combined with the vintage vibe of the wallpaper feels strangely appropriate and works in this older home so well. This closet now has so much charm and it took 2 days!

While I didn’t personally build and install the shelves, Dave claims that it’s totally DIY-able – not a super high-skilled task, but shout out to Dave for doing it so perfectly. Someday I fantasize about not being so busy and can learn how to do things like this myself, but right now I so appreciate talented folks to help so I can do the things that only I can do.

Walking up the stairs and seeing this sweetness makes me so happy! And I was so surprised and delighted that both kids and Brian love the wallpaper (like they mentioned it to me even before I asked them which isn’t typical!) It’s just so stinking cute. That laundry closet wasn’t like this crazy eyesore because I could shut the doors, but every time I opened them they were full of garbage – just a pile of socks, lint, wrappers, change, etc. on top of the dryer. And in the span of 2 days, it was transformed to be so cute.

I can’t say enough great things about Spoonflower’s prepasted wallpaper patterns, let alone this adorably perfect folk art pattern by artist Melissa Johnson Design. I wish I hadn’t already ordered the wallpaper for the kids’ bath or our bathroom – I don’t trust my skills to do normal unpasted wallpaper myself, but from now on I’m pretty much a professional wallpaper installer when it comes to Spoonflower’s prepasted. AND it’s so much easier to remove as the glue is less permanent. So for rooms (like kids’ rooms), it’s especially perfect if you aren’t sure that your daughter, for instance, is going to love butterflies and flowers when she is a teenager on her walls. Prepasted Spoonflower wallpaper for the win. Thanks so much, Spoonflower for partnering with me on this laundry closet. What a nice way to start the year:)

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Published on January 23, 2025 01:00

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